Leader in STEM education, informal learning, and community partnership joins the team
The Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity is pleased to welcome Kristen Duprey as the new Program Manager for the STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School (SABTW). Kristen brings over a decade of experience leading STEM initiatives that spark student curiosity, build educator capacity, and foster meaningful community connections.
Kristen joins SABTW following her work with NASA Langley Research Center, where she supported national Science Mission Directorate efforts as part of the Science Activation team. Her contributions to the My NASA Data and GLOBE Clouds projects helped expand real-world STEM engagement for students and educators nationwide.
Prior to her role at NASA Langley, Kristen served as a Program Manager with the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, overseeing large-scale, NASA-funded STEM programs and internships for K–16 students across Virginia. In this role, she managed partnerships, developed curriculum, and led statewide initiatives aimed at broadening access to high-quality STEM learning.
Kristen also brings deep expertise in informal education, having worked as STEM Curriculum Specialist at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, where she designed hands-on programming, facilitated professional development, and coordinated large community science events. Her STEM education journey began in the classroom, where she spent eight years as a secondary science teacher in both Virginia and Rhode Island—experience that continues to ground her approach in student-centered, equity-driven practice.
“Believing in the potential of every student, I advocate for engaging and exciting learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster a love for STEM,” Kristen shares. “Introducing SME role models and prioritizing strategic partnerships enrich the educational journey and provide deeper connections to future STEM opportunities.”
In her new role at SABTW, Kristen will lead program development, support educators in integrating hands-on STEM into instruction, and cultivate community and industry partnerships that align with the Academy’s mission of providing Hands-On Learning from the Start. She brings strong academic preparation, including an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from George Mason University, along with a B.A. in Biology. Kristen holds multiple teaching endorsements in Virginia and Rhode Island, a PreK–12 Administration & Supervision endorsement, and has completed Agile Project Management coursework with Old Dominion University.
Kristen’s leadership is a welcome addition to the STEM Academy’s continued efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
Please join us in welcoming Kristen to the SABTW and CEIO team as we continue building a strong foundation for STEM learning in the elementary years.
